Overview  Looking down the old hut in 2007 from Váha saddle  2010 August - reconstruction underway
Chata pod Rysmi ("Hut under Rysy") is the youngest and highest situated chalet in the High Tatras.
Open: The hut is usually open from the beginning of June till the end of October.
Lodging: The hut has undergone complete reconstruction during the summer seasons of 2010 and 2011. It is functioning again since the end of June 2011.
Food: The hut offers food service to its visitors. The menu is subject to what's currently in stock, but you are guaranteed to find something to eat, except if you are a vegetarian. I may highly recommend their cabbage soup (kapustová polievka). Breakfast (rich smorgasbord) is available for overnight stays.
Water: Drinking water is scarce so it is reserved only for the hut's personnel and kitchen. You can buy bottled mineral water, soft drinks and beer to quench your thirst.
Location: The hut is located in a rocky area below the Váha saddle, on 2250 m above sea level. It is surrounded by three peaks: Rysy - Vysoka - Ťažký štít. There is a nice view on the two latter from the hut, the summit of Rysy is not visible.
Access: The hut can be approached only on foot, but it is accessible both from Slovakia (Štrbské pleso) and Poland (Morskie Oko). From the Slovak side, the first section is comfortable walk until Popradské pleso (mountain hotel), then a gradually steepening but solid hiking path up Mengusovska valley and passing by the picturesque Žabie tarns. A short section is equipped with chains to assist hikers when the rock is slippery. From Poland, the ascent is more strenous, as you have to climb over Rysy peak, then descend about 250 m on the other side. Both approaches are marked hiking trails. The upper part of the Polish route leads on exposed terrain and the fixed chains come handy for most people, but it is safely passable in good weather.
Facilities: This is a basic chalet, the toilet (latrine) is located outside, and due to scarce water, there is no showering possibility.
 The temporary "mini-bar" - 2010 August |
 2010 August - the menu of the "mini-bar" |
 2010 August - the buffet is still open, no matter what |
Contact
Hut manager: Viktor Beránek
Phone 1: +421 903181051 (cell phone)
Phone 2: +421 524422314 (regular phone, not in the hut)
Website: http://chatapodrysmi.sk  
Brief History
There idea to build a mountain shelter in the upper part of Mengusovska valley came up as early as the end of the 19th century. However, the construction was put off because of technical and financial problems. Finally the plan came into reality a couple of decades later:
1933 - opening ceremony
1954 - hut got damaged by an avalanche, followed by reconstruction
1977 - the hut is extended by an upper floor
2000 - another avalanche destroys most of the hut, partially reconstructed
2010 - a complete reconstruction begins
External LinksSkialpinism around Chata pod Rysmi, December 2009  
Skialpinism around Chata pod Rysmi, December 2009 
Images
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